Page 21 of Shrine of Fire

“Now we’re finding new omegas with spirit magic, and shaman too. We aim to allow the Shrines to regulate the flow of magic between worlds.”

“Not this one,” the phoenix said. “Hella Mora’s prison must be close.”

“Obviously not,” Zara said and gestured at Nova. “I was trying to bond Nova to the Shrine when Hella Mora decided to show up.”

“Didn’t the countries of Inas, Tolaga, and Lesea come together to help seal away Hella Mora,” Valens asked softly.

“Yes,” the phoenix said, shifting his position. His golden skin was washed out, and beads of sweat had appeared across his forehead.

“Inas and Lesea don’t exist anymore,” Nikki said. “But parts of Lesea became present day Fairuin. I wonder if they have any records.”

Nikki looked excited at the prospect of research, and Zara grinned at him. “You haven’t already researched that?”

“I’m getting there. It’s like a thousand years’ worth of records.”

“I must go there.” The phoenix tried to sit up, and his face turned ashen.

“Hang on, you don’t look ready to go anywhere. I’m Kivai, by the way.” Kivai held out the plate of food as he introduced everyone else. “You’re in no shape to walk.”

“There is…no time.” The phoenix panted. He leaned his head back. “If I could be reborn, I would heal.”

“How do you do that?” Kivai gestured at the food as he held the plate out. “Here, eat something.”

“I heal in fire and flames.” The phoenix blinked heavily. “I am called Kalahar. But there is a…barrier between my spirit and the spirit realm.”

I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to die, even though Nova tensed next to me. I put my arm around her waist and kissed her temple.

“Yeah, the spirit world is still separate.” Kivai wrinkled his nose.

“It is no matter. I cannot say how long it would take for me to be reborn.” Kalahar moved to stand again. “I cannot allow her to break free. There should be a Spirit Oasis in Tolaga. Once there, I can cross over into my domain in the spirit realm.”

“There is.” Nikki perked up. “It’s called the Library of Souls now, and lots of ancient artifacts are housed there for safe keeping.”

Kivai’s eyes lit up. “That’s true. There are also several different soul seals at the Library.”

“There you go,” I said. “We’ll sail over to Tolaga and enter the Library of Souls. Maybe Fairuin has some related literature too. It’s an ancient country, with a lot of superstitions around spirit magic.”

“Maybe you can use your Engagement Tour as an excuse to go to these countries,” Nikki added, and elbowed his brother.

Stefan turned beet red and coughed.

“The what now?” I grinned. Stefan wanted Nova, it was obvious, but something held him back.

“The Engagement Tour.” Nikki smirked at his younger brother. “By tradition, when one of the royal family marries, you announce your intentions to find the rest of the Royal Pack. It’s supposed to be the betas of the omega’s choosing, but it’s often another way to play politics.”

Nova wrinkled her nose. “You mean, make political alliances from who you bring into a pack.”

“Yep.” Nikki grinned at Zara. “So glad I sidestepped that.”

“Nova is under no expectations,” Stefan said stiffly. “She is free to choose who she wishes.”

Nikki raised an eyebrow. “Does our father know that?”

“I will inform him the moment he attempts to force Nova into a pack not of her choosing.” There was steel in Stefan’s voice.

Protective over Nova too. It was a good sign.

“Or,” I said, and squeezed Nova’s waist again. “We say: Sure, dear old dad. We will allow you to fund our expedition around the world.” I paused and tapped my chin, thoughtfully. “Maybe we even add some stops along the way. And, then, we get to pick up the new omegas and shaman we find, as well as do our research in peace with no one the wiser.”

---